'X’ now a gender option in Australian passports

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) _ Australian passports will now have three gender options: male, female and indeterminate. The change is designed to remove discrimination against transgender people.

The government said Thursday that transgender people and those of ambiguous sex will be able to list their gender with an ‘X’ if their choice is supported by a doctor‘s statement.

Previously, gender was a choice of only male or female, and people were not allowed to change their gender on their passport without having had a sex-change operation.

Government senator Louise Pratt, whose partner was born female and is now identified as a man, says the reform is a major improvement for travelers who face questioning and detention in airports because their appearances do not match their gender status.

Improve your love life by identifying ‘couple type’

one of my wedding pictures

Everyone likes to feel their relationship is unique but experts have identified six different couple types which once recognized could improve relationships, the Daily Mail reported.

According to the article which first appeared in Psychologies magazine, different couple types can be identified as distinct roles are assumed.

Often, people are largely influenced by their parents’ partnership as they absorb information in their childhood, taking on board how their parents behaved.

Understanding and identifying “couple type” can apparently help break the negative cycles of changing relationships and lead to a happier relationship that best suits one’s needs.

Six couple types:1. Cat and dog This type of couple constantly fight in private and in public but the cycle of fighting and making up works to attract each other. However, when fights are fuelled by insecurity and distrust, this relationship becomes messy.

2. Thrill of the chase One partner here takes on the role of the pursuer, trying to secure the opposite’s attention and affection while one plays the role of a distancer. They often take turns, switching roles. “What drives this couple is a fear of being seen as needy,” says relationship psychologist Susan Quilliam.

3. Parent and childOften developing after having children, this couple type involves the feeling of responsibility in caring for a partner. The “child” may enjoy a break from being a supreme director in real-life while the “parent” may enjoy finding purpose in life through nurturing.

4. Idol and fanOne becomes a “worshipper” and the other becomes an “idol” about whom everything is loved. However, experts report such a relationship can be short-lived as the idol partner may depart for other relationships with other fans.

5. Babes in the woodThis couple enjoys the most security as they share everything from opinions to appearances. Although partners have a strong and united front, they may lack differential spark and passion, according to Susan Quilliam.

6. The grown-upsThis is a functional relationship lacking a little fire but involving two mature people tolerating differences to keep themselves away from conflicts. However, the lack of spontaneity and challenges may lead to a dull love life.

It's so interesting.

because,  after read, I wonder about  my husband mind?

So I asked him. 

He thought that we belong to third type(Parent and child)But I think that we are Babes in the wood type.

because, we always had a talk a lot and we are in sync with each other. we two have many thing in common like a favorite music, movie style and food.

But from now, I know about his mind.

I don't do as child for him anymore.

Children start learning English by age 4

Children in and around Seoul start learning to speak English at an average age of 3.7 years, the Korea Institute of Child Care and Education said.

Its latest survey of 1,200 elementary school first- and second-graders in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, found that 92.7 percent received their first-ever English education around 3-5 years old. Only 7.3 percent in the same age bracket said they had not studied English at all by that age.

About 65.7 percent started learning English when they were around 3-4 years old, while 19.2 percent doing so when they were over five years old.

The survey found that 6.6 percent began learning the foreign language even before they reached 2 and that 1.3 percent of mothers chose English for antenatal education.

The institute concluded that children’s first encounter with English lessons was an average of 3.7 years old.

The more educated the mothers were, the earlier their children started the foreign language training. According to the study, 8.5 percent of mothers with university or higher degrees had their children start the education before two, while 69.9 percent let their children learn English around 3-4.

On the contrary, 13.4 percent of children of parents who were high school graduates did not study the language in infancy, and 59.3 percent began the English education around 3-4.

Residents of Ilsan, north of Seoul, were the most enthusiastic about their children’s English education with an average of 3.2 years olds starting to take English lessons. Three southern districts in Seoul ― Gangnam, Seocho or Songpa ― regarded as well-off and high in education zeal, were slightly behind, with their children starting to learn English at four on average.

Asked about the motives behind early English education, 44.5 percent said they wanted their children to become familiar with the language in childhood, while 20.3 percent said nurseries or other childcare facilities hold English classes, which drove them to start private education early. Only 9.5 percent cited their children’s exceptional curiosity.

“It seems that children start to learn English at their parents’ will, not on their own,” said Lee Yun-jin, researcher of the institute in the report.

“Some parents argue they start to educate children in English because kindergartens and daycare centers conduct classes in English, but on the contrary, many childcare facilities start English programs because the parents demand them,” she added.

This research concluded children in and around seoul  started English lessons an avearge 3.7 years old.
The reason why children start to learn early English  asked to their parents, they said first, we wanted our children to became familiar with the english in childhood.

wow! After read, I wondered , how about children anther province. also I think, It' better compared with two groups(Seoul, Gyeonggi and another Province)

Anyway I think, English Education is very important and It really need in childhood.
Because not long ago I heard, elementary schooler considered English avility is more important than other subject avility between them.
also so am I. I think same idea as their parents, children to became familiar with the english in childhood.
 It is trend. It is nothing new. early English Education already heating up in Korean.
 As early English Education is stressed the necessity in these days.

But I think It is probable that caused some ploblem. That is more and more younger to start english.
If children are too young, they maybe get a stress. because they don't know for certain in english or korean.
It just thier parent's will. they have no motive learn to english. why? they are  too young.

I sugest early English education need to children, If they don't get a stress.
So most important point is 'enjoy studing english'.especially, in cildhood.
We should find the way about  how to enjoy english to children with no stress.
also It is not better to learn in english  from too young age.
I think After they understad to korean, not to late to learn english. 

book summary [GET OUT OF BAD] by Robert munsch

book cover

 In the middle of the night, Amy is sleepless.

so she watched TV all night time.

 Next morning, Amy was asleep.

but Amy is going to go to the school.

and another families have to go to work and school.

 Amy still did not wake up. 

 so her families put the bad and picked it up.

They carried the Amy's bad to the classroom.

 In the classroom, Teacher taught many subject .

 but she still did not wake up.

 Finally, principal got angry. so she called her parents.

and they came from work, carried Amy's bad back home.

Amy still was asleep.

 Next morning, Amy did get up and ate a  lots of breakfast.

And then, Amy went to school.

she walked into her classroom.

everyone snored.

This story can not be happening!

but interested and funny.

I like the Robert munsch's stories very much.

I think he is so eccentric.

Sometimes, I want to sleep all day long free from care.

like Amy did it.

Brooding men, smiling women seen as sexy: study

(American actor and cultural icon James Dean had bad boy image which attracted many women.)

(Reuters) - Guys, want to look sexy and get the girl? Don't smile too much. Look brooding or show a bit of shame instead. Women, ignore that advice.

Women find happy men less sexually attractive than those with expressions that show pride or hint that they have done wrong and know it, according to Canadian researchers.

The study published online Tuesday in the American Psychological Association journal Emotion showed pictures of the opposite sex to both men and women. Participants were then asked for their initial reactions on sexual attractiveness based the expressions they saw.

"Men who smile were considered fairly unattractive by women," said Jessica Tracy, a University of British Columbia psychology professor who directed the study.

"So to the extent that men think that smiling is a good thing to do if they want to be found sexually attractive our findings suggest that's not the case," Tracy said.

The men's reaction was just the opposite.
"Women who smile are absolutely very attractive. That was by far the most attractive expression women showed," Tracy said in an interview.

The researchers admit they are not sure why men and women reacted differently to smiles. In a man, a big smile may make him appear too feminine or more desperate for sex.

The study also adds fuel to the notion that women are attracted to bad boys.
"Women are attracted to guys like James Dean, Edward the vampire. The guys who are flawed, but who know it and are tortured by it," Tracy said.

A slightly downcast expression of shame is an appeasement gesture that hints at a need for sympathy.

Men also found sexual attractiveness in women whose expressions and body language hinted at shame.

The researchers stressed they looked only at initial reactions of sexual attractiveness, and were not recommending men adopt a no-smile policy for a long-term relationship.

"When people want a long-term relationship they take much more into account than sexual attractiveness. How nice a person is, is a big thing," Tracy said.

"So we're not saying, don't be a nice guy," she said.

Who do you like better?

 Yeah @@ so am I! I feel an attracted to bad boys.
What about you?
This article is interesting.
If you are men,  you are going to have blind date soon, don't smiling.
contray to men' reaction, If you are women,  you have a smile on your face.
If you do, you will be successful!

picture book summery ((Alligater baby by Robert Munsch)

problem & solution

What was the problem?

I think Kristen's parents were mistaken their baby.

Why did it happen?

They got lost at night.

and they did not go to the hospital.

so they went to the zoo.

Who made the problem?

of course, Kristen's parents.

How was the problem solved?

kristen went off to the zoo by herself.

and she found a baby in golilla cage.

so then she took ababy went back home.

cause & effect

         

cause 1: kristen's parents got lost. and they went to the zoo

------>effect,  cause 2: they took a alligator baby came back home.

                                     and they drove back to the zoo.

------>effect,  cause 3: they took a wrong baby again.

                                    It was seal baby.

                                    so thet went back to thr zoo for their baby

------> effect,  cause 4: they got a golilla baby.

                                     so Kristen went off to the zoo by herself.

-

-----> effect,  cause 5: she could found a real baby in golilla cage.

                                      she took a baby came back home.

                                     but there were lots of animal's babies.

-

-----> effect : so animal moms came to the Kristen's house for find their baby

Inspector system of university entrance in Gangnam

After instituted inspector system of university entrance, It was very important to manage of SPEC, besides excellent results.
To enter the S.K.Y,  manage of SPEC is like insurance for relife.
So competition to manage of SPEC is heating in GangNam burningly.
What is SPEC to need for S.K.Y entrance?
There are related to language and math(IBT, TEPS), second foreign language official grade (New HSK·JLPT·DELE ),  related to math(contests in and outside the country), related to  economy(contests,AP) , related to science(contests, olympiad, project), korea history, Korean language, Chiness writing, volutary service(related career) and the school grounds activities(officer, a group, winning a prize).
So many parents lives in Gang Nam spend lots of money for  manage of SPEC.
For this reason, entrace coaching expert said ' most important ploblem is GandNam parents thought that their children are more fall behind than theirselves.
And then he advised, They should be a guide for  manage of SPEC. so their children can manage of SPEC, as own characters and environment by oneself, more strategically.

Wow!!!! It so difficult.
I read korean article. It's very interesting. so I tried translation into english.
Ann helped me a summary of article. thanks a lot Ann.
Anyway, It was amazing.
Because my children are young, It was not reality to me.
but, someone try to preparing hard for enter the S.K.Y , It was amazing.
 excellent results! brilliant spec! economic strength of parents!
I think about my children and future of them.
I will just do my best for my children's happy.

A friend for dragon

Cup takes mystery out of somaek article 2

For hard-drinking Koreans, few combinations of alcohol have as strong a hold on their hearts as the popular local version of a boilermaker.

Somaek, the mix of Korea’s national alcohol soju - a distilled vodka-like liquor - with beer, is a popular tipple for many who find straight soju too strong, but aren’t that keen on beer by itself.

As a result, one lively debate when Koreans gather to drink is the best ratio of the concoction. For some, pouring soju and beer is a chance to brag about their mixology skills and prime somaek combinations.

Others line up glasses and concentrate on mixing with all the intensity of a laboratory scientist.

But now, a new glass measuring cup takes the mystery out of making the concoction, allowing partiers to mix according to their favorite taste every time.

“One day, my daughter brought a beaker from her school. I started using it to not forget the golden ratio,” said Woo Sang-taek, the designer and seller of the cup, which has markings for mixing and cartoon faces for each different combination.

The 39-year-old Woo, who says he loves somaek more than any other drink, decided to share his idea about the cup, and since late last year has sold thousands online.

The cup provides guides for all possible permutations, from the one-to-nine soju-to-beer mix described as “gentle and smooth” up to “blackout” - a five-to-five mix.

The golden ratio, according to Woo, is three-to-seven, which combines the alcohol from soju and carbonated fizz of beer.

The cup, which went on sale in December - just in time for raucous year-end drinking parties - has drawn a mixed response.

“As soon as I saw it online, I felt like going out to drink somaek right away. It is so tempting.” said Kim Myung-jin, a 26-year-old graduate student.

But others said the logical, metric approach could take all the fun out of drinking.

“If we use the measuring cup, there’s no human interaction and no fun stories about all the strange combinations people make,” said a 37-year-old office worker Kim Tae-hyun.

But Woo said that the cup, which only costs 3,000 won ($2.80), actually makes drinking more fun by providing guides to different somaek combinations. “Everyone using this cup says it is so cool. It is out of stock now,” he added.

Big bienvenue for K-pop idols (article homework)

French police form lines to allow vans with Korean pop stars on board to get through hordes of fans upon the performers’ arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, on June 6, to hold two concerts starting June 10. Over 1,500 European fans flocked to the airport to greet the stars.


 PARIS - The Korean Wave has stretched beyond Asia and reached the heart of Europe

On Wednesday evening, members of three popular Korean pop groups landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris for a concert and were met by over 1,500 teenage fans from France, England, Italy and Sweden. The teens surged to get a look at 10 singers as they came through customs, and French police had to escort the performers safely to a van outside.

The performers were from the groups TVXQ, SHINee and f(x), and many fans wept upon seeing them. “I can’t believe I saw the faces of SHINee members with my own two eyes,” said a teenage girl wiping tears away.

To maintain order, over 50 local police officers were deployed. Fans started gathering at the airport at 2 p.m., hours ahead of the stars’ arrival at 7:30 p.m. “Hundreds of fans flocking to the airport is a common scene upon the arrival of a celebrity,” said an airport policeman. “But I’ve never seen such a large number of fans turning up at Charles de Gaulle.”
Most of the fans were female, and they arrived at the airport carrying posters of the performers with messages written in Hangul, and even Korean flags. Some fans camped out in a corner of the airport arrival hall and sang favorite songs by the groups, such as SHINee’s “Ring Ding Dong” and Girls’ Generation’s “Gee,” and mimicked their dance moves.

Most of the fans at the airport were reported to be members of Korean Connection, which is a club for K-pop aficionados. A 14-year-old fan said, “The thought of meeting the singers kept me up all night.” A 65-year-old fan said proudly, “I only watch Korean dramas and listen to Korean music at home.”

Korea JoongAng Daily Friday, June 10, 2011

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your favorite K-pop idol?

I like 2ne 1.

Do you know 2ne 1?

They are 4 women members in group.

It sounds is my favorite song by 2ne 1.

 

This story concerns K-pop idol popular with Europe fans.

members of three popular Korean pop groups(TVXQ, SHINee and f(x)) landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris for a concert and were met by over 1,500 teenage fans from France, England, Italy and Sweden.

Also, many fans wept upon seeing them. and most of the fans at the airport were reported to be members of Korean Connection, which is a club for K-pop aficionados.

home work - script 11

 ------------------------------------------------------------------- by Ann

Sarah / Can you tell me a little about Boracai island in Philphime?
Ann / sure I can, What would you like to know?
Sarah / Well, What's a good time to visit?
Ann / I think you aboid typhoon season.
         but the weather is nice.
Sarah / yeah, And what should I do there/.
Ann / well, you should definitely enjoy Massage and many watersports like snorkeling, fishing,
         scuba diving and so on.
Sarah / And what else?
Ann / oh, you shouldn't miss the Golf tour. It's very interesting.
Sarah / It all sounds really exciting.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- by Sarah
Ann / So where are you from Sarah?
Sarah / I'm from Bu san in Korea.
Ann / Wow, I've heard that's a really nice city.
Sarah / Yeah, It is. the weather is great and there are some fantastic beaches just outside the city.
Ann / Is it expensive there?
Sarah / Yes, It is so expensive. because there are many famous hotel.
           So If you want to stay in there, you will costs for a night in hotel.
          But you can enjoy many sea foods are cheap.
Ann / how big is the city?
Sarah / It was  the Korea`s second-largest city.
Ann / It sounds perfect to me.
        Maybe I should plan a trip there sometime.

My Book Note 1 @@ The giving tree@@

` Title /  The giving tree
` Author / Shel SilverStein
` Publishr / Harper Collins
` Characters / tree, little boy

summary ----------------------------------------
There was a tree. and tree loved a little boy.
So they would play together everyday.
But time went by. the boy grew older.
And the tree was often alone.
one day, the boy came to the tree.
The boy needed to lots of money, house, boat, rest.
So the tree gave to the boy her apples, branches, trunks, stump instead of money, house, boat, rest.
And then tree was happy.

---------------------------------------------------------
This story is so impressing. and I remeber the book [Love you forever] by Robert munsch.
Both [The givning tree] and [Love you forever] is story about mother's love.
while reading this story, I thought of my mom.
I will always love my children, just like my mom.
----------------------------------------------------------
mother, love, sacrifice, happy
----------------------------------------------------------

The Giving Tree

       The Giving Tree

                         

Once there was a tree..... and she loved a little boy. And every day the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest. He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat apples. And they would play hide-and-go-seek. And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade. And the boy loved the tree.......very much.
And the tree was happy.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
But time went by. And the boy grew older. And the tree was often alone. Then one day the boy came to the tree and the tree said "Come, Boy, come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and eat apples and play in my shade and be happy"
"I am too big to climb and play", said the boy. "I want to buy things and have fun. I want some money. Can you give me some money?" "I'm sorry," said the tree, "but I have no money, I have only leaves and apples. Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy." And so the boy climbed up the tree and gathered her apples and carried them away.
And the tree was happy.
 

 

 

 

 

 
But the boy stayed away for a long time.. and the tree was sad. And then one day the boy came back and the tree shook with joy and she said, "Come, Boy, climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and be happy." "I am too busy to climb trees," said the boy. "I want a house to keep me warm," he said. "I want a wife and I want children, and so I need a house. Can you give me a house?" "I have no house," said the tree. "The forest is my house, but you may cut off my branches and build a house. Then you will be happy." And the boy cut off her branches and carried them away to build his house.
And the tree was happy.
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 
 
But the boy stayed away for a long time. And when he came back, the tree was so happy she could hardly speak. "Come, Boy," she whispered, "come and play." "I am too old and sad to play," said the boy. "I want a boat that take me far away from here. Can you give me a boat?" "Cut down my trunk and make a boat," said the tree. "Then you can sail away...... and be happy." And so the boy cut down her trunk and made a boat and sailed away.
And the tree was happy....
but not really. And after a long time the boy came back again. "I am sorry, Boy," said the tree,
"but I have nothing left to give you----" "My apples are gone." "My teeth are too weak for apples," said the boy. "My branches are gone," said the tree. "You cannot swing on them------" "I am too old to swing on branches," said the boy. "My trunk is gone," said the tree. "You cannot climb--------" "I am too tired to climb," said the boy. "I am sorry," sighed the tree. "I wish that I could give you something------ but I have nothing left. I am just an old stump." "I don't need very much now," said the boy. "just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired." "Well," said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, "well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the boy did.
And the tree was happy.
 

SHEL SILVERSTEIN was born on September 25, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois and began writing and drawing at a young age. He became a cartoonist, playwright, poet, performer, recording artist, and Grammy-winning, Oscar-nominated songwriter.Silverstein is best known as the author of iconic books of prose and poetry for young readers. His works include such modern classics as Lafcadio: The Lion Who Shot Back (1963), The Giving Tree (1964), A Giraffe and a Half (1964), The Missing Piece (1976), and The Missing Piece Meets the Big O (1981). His immensely popular poetry collections are Where the Sidewalk Ends, a 1974 Michigan Young Readers Award winner; A Light in the Attic, recipient of the School Library Journal Best Books Award in 1982; Falling Up (1996); and Dont Bump the Glump! And Other Fantasies, which was originally published in 1963 and reissued in 2008. Runny Babbit (2005), a posthumous poetry collection of spoonerisms, was conceived and completed before his death.

Silversteins books, which he also illustrated, are characterized by a deft mixing of the sly and the serious, the macabre, and the just plain silly. His unique imagination and bold brand of humor is beloved by countless adults and children throughout the world. He died in May 1999.

Visit www.ShelSilverstein.com, the official website for kids and winner of a Webby Honoree for Youth, to learn about Shel Silverstein's books, watch exclusive animations, play games, download fun activities, and more.

Shel Silverstein's name and signature are trademarks of Evil Eye, LLC. All rights reserved

 

http://www.shelsilverstein.com/play.asp

Charlie and Lora

My daughter is 7 years old. she likes read books.
When she was six years old , she read Charlie and Lora
If you wonder about Charlie and Lora ,you can visit  http://www.charlieandlola.com/
Have a good time*^^*

hello I'm the beginer!

Hi! Robin!
I like English. but it's so difficult.
I will try *^^*